"She was the best mother in law and one of my best friends. She became everyone's Grandma Joy. She had a heart of gold and would help anyone who needed it. I am blessed to have so many memories to treasure now..Fly high our beautiful angel."
In loving memory of
Joy Lynn Whitenack
September 22, 1954 - June 3, 2022
Joy Lynn Whitenack was born September 22, 1954 to James and Donna (Barr) Wanned in Seattle, Washington.
In April of 1972, Joy was united in marriage to William Whitenack. To this union, they were blessed with four children: Billy, Shane, Heath, and Heather. They made their home in Sioux City, later in Schleswig and then Joy moved back to Denison several years ago.
One of Joy's favorite past times were spent mushroom hunting at Nelson Park. She would feed the grandchildren "chicken fingers" but little did they know, they were actually eating morel mushrooms. She enjoyed going fishing, canning, and gardening. She also enjoyed her sweets and cooking; she was especially known for her rye bread and chocolate pie.
She was very proud of her children, grandchildren ,great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She worked very hard to provide for her family. Over the years, she worked at the packing plants in Sioux City, Denison, and Schleswig. She also worked at Martin Luther Home in Denison.
Joy passed away peacefully on Friday, June 3, 2022 at Gracewell - Eventide Lutheran Home in Denison, attaining the age of sixty-seven years, eight months, and twelve days. She is preceded in death by her father, James Wanned; sister, Alonna Schade; mother and father-in-law, Albert and LaMorn Whitenack.
Left to cherish her memory are her children: Billy Whitenack and his wife Cathy of Arion, Shane Whitenack and his wife Sandy of Mason City, Heath Whitenack of Schleswig, Heather and her husband Bill Bates of Bismark, North Dakota; eight grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; mother, Donna Wanned of Denison; brother, James H. Wanned of Sioux City; sister, Barbara J. and her husband, Tom Wissing of Bentonville, Arkansas; many other relatives and friends.
Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, June 6, 2022 at the Huebner Funeral Home in Denison with visitation from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. also at the funeral home. Memorials may be directed to the family.
Tributes
"Joy was one of the only adults in Schleswig to ever give me a chance, one of the sweetest women I have ever known. And still told me she loved me on Facebook when we would talk. God gained one of the best today?."
"To my favorite aunt you are in a better place God bless until we see you on the other side of the rainbow. We love you"